On one day, at one location, Homeless Connect Edmonton works with guests experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless to access essential and dignity-enhancing services. Our guests have the opportunity to create genuine connections within the community, sharing their stories with volunteers and building relationships with representatives from various community organizations that they can carry on after the event. Homeward Trust coordinates Homeless Connect Edmonton through collaboration with Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, Shaw Conference Centre, United Way, and community leaders representing various sector organizations and agencies.

Our Mission

The mission of Homeless Connect Edmonton is to provide services that will create paths out of homelessness, build lasting partnerships, raise public awareness of homelessness in the community and provide a vehicle for community involvement in addressing the issue of homelessness.

Homeless Connect shows the power of Edmonton’s community working collaboratively to effect real, tangible change in helping to reduce homelessness . The convention centre is proud to provide the space where service partners, agencies and hundreds of volunteers come together twice each year to connect essential services with those in need.

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— Lisanne Lewis, General Manager, Shaw Conference Centre

What We've Achieved

Homeless Connect Edmonton is the largest event of its kind in Canada, with over 2,300 guests accessing 70 services, with the help of more than 350 volunteers.

The Shaw Conference Centre hosted the first event in 2008. Since 2009, Homeless Connect Edmonton has held two events each year—in the spring and fall.

The event supports the City of Edmonton’s Plan to end Homelessness, and is influencing similar events around Canada.